Chin Pillow

ABSTRACT

Embodiments may generally relate to a device for supporting the head of a human subject and may comprise a wearable chin pillow. Such an embodiment may include a chin support member having a major axis defining a first end and a second end, and an orthogonal minor axis. The chin support member may have a positive curvature in a direction parallel to one or more of the major axis or the minor axis. Embodiments may further include at least one mounting strap attached to at least one of the first end or the second end of the chin support member. The mounting strap may be adapted to engage the neck of a wearer in a retaining relation.

I. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A. Field of Invention

Embodiments of the present invention may generally relate to the field of wearable devices for supporting the human head in an upright orientation.

B. Description of the Related Art

Devices for supporting the head are generally known; however, known devices have certain shortcomings. For example, it is known to provide a neck brace which snuggly encircles the neck thus restricting movement. While effective, such devices are not suitable for casual use. So called travel pillows and neck pillows are known in the art for non-medical use. While such devices provide side-to-side support they generally have no support at all in the chin area. Still other devices support the entire circumference about the head similar to a neck brace; however, some users find this overly restrictive and also find the device more difficult to carry while traveling due to its increased bulk. It is also known to have a supportive structure which is contoured to fit the chin of a wearer; however, while this may seem like an optimal shape at first glance, it has the effect of distributing the load over the surrounding areas of the chin including the face and cheeks of the wearer.

What is missing is a device which focuses support on the chin, rather than spreading a load over the entire base of the head, or the face and cheeks. Some embodiments of the present invention may provide one or more benefits or advantages over the prior art.

II. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Some embodiments may relate to a chin pillow, comprising: a chin support member having a major axis defining a first end and a second end, and an orthogonal minor axis, the chin support member having a positive curvature in a direction parallel to one or more of the major axis or the minor axis; and at least one mounting strap attached to at least one of the first end or the second end of the chin support member, the mounting strap being adapted to engage the neck of a wearer in a retaining relation.

According to some embodiments the chin support member has a positive curvature in a direction parallel to the major axis.

According to some embodiments the chin support member defines a shape having C_(n) rotational symmetry about its major axis where n is an integer between 2 and ∞.

According to some embodiments the chin support member defines a shape selected from one or more of cylindrical, elliptical, ellipsoidal, prolate spheroidal, spheroidal, or oblate spheroidal.

According to some embodiments the chin support member is adapted to simultaneously engage the chin and chest of a wearer while supporting the head of the wearer in a generally upright orientation.

According to some embodiments the chin support member comprises a pliable material adapted to conform to the shape of a wearer's chin as the chin applies a load to the chin support member, and wherein the chin support member is adapted to spring back into its original shape after the load is removed.

According to some embodiments the at least one mounting strap is permanently attached to at least one if the first end or the second end of the chin support member.

According to some embodiments the at least one mounting strap comprises two mounting straps adapted to reversibly engage each other in a fastened relation using a fastening means selected from one or more of a buckle, a hook-and-loop fastener, a snap, a clasp, or a tie.

Embodiments may relate to a chin pillow, comprising: a chin support member adapted to simultaneously engage the chin and chest of a wearer while supporting the head of the wearer in a generally upright orientation, the chin support member having a major axis defining a first end and a second end, and an orthogonal minor axis, the chin support member having a positive curvature in a direction parallel to the major axis, and wherein the chin support member has a positive curvature in a direction parallel to the minor axis; and at least one mounting strap attached to at least one of the first end or the second end of the chin support member, the mounting strap being adapted to engage the neck of a wearer in a retaining relation.

Embodiments may relate to a chin pillow, comprising: a pliable chin support member adapted to simultaneously engage substantially only the chin and chest of a wearer while supporting the head of the wearer in a generally upright orientation, the chin support member having a major axis defining a first end and a second end, and an orthogonal minor axis, the chin support member having a positive curvature in a direction parallel to the major axis, wherein the chin support member has a positive curvature in a direction parallel to the minor axis, and wherein the chin support member defines a shape selected from one or more of cylindrical, elliptical, ellipsoidal, prolate spheroidal, spheroidal, or oblate spheroidal; and two mounting straps each permanently attached to one of the first end or the second end of the chin support member, the mounting strap being adapted to engage the neck of a wearer in a retaining relation.

Other benefits and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon reading and understanding of the following detailed specification.

III. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, embodiments of which will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein:

FIG. 1A is a drawing of a surface having positive curvature;

FIG. 1B is a drawing of a surface having negative curvature;

FIG. 1C is a drawing of a surface having zero curvature;

FIG. 2A is a drawing of an oblate spheroid;

FIG. 2B is a drawing of a prolate spheroid;

FIG. 2C is a drawing of an ellipsoid;

FIG. 2D is a drawing of an ellipse having a thickness;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment showing the overall structure;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment showing a face of a chin support member; and

FIG. 5 is a view of an embodiment showing the attachment of mounting straps to the chin support member.

IV. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention may comprise a pliable chin support member and a means for mounting the chin support member about the neck of a wearer. A suitable chin support member may define a major axis and an orthogonal minor axis, and may have a positive curvature about at least the major axis. Some embodiments may have a positive curvature about the minor axis in addition to or instead of the major axis. A suitable means for mounting the chin support member may include a mounting strap, for instance.

With specific regard to the chin support member, suitable members may comprise overall shapes which tend to provide supportive resistance to a chin applying a vertical load to the member. As used herein the term overall shape includes a silhouette outline of an object capturing only the most global pattern and neglecting smaller structures. Shapes having a positive curvature are particularly suitable for this purpose because they provide a supportive arch structure. Thus, cylindrical, elliptical, ellipsoidal, prolate spheroidal, spheroidal, or oblate spheroidal are all suitable shapes because each includes a major and minor axis, and each has a positive curvature parallel to at least one of these axes.

Turning to the mounting means, a suitable means can comprise a mounting strap. As used herein the term mounting strap can include any ligature adapted to engage the neck of a wearer. For instance, a mounting strap can comprise a generally flat ribbon, a cord, a rope, a band, or other similar structure. According to some embodiments of the invention, a mounting strap may be attached permanently or reversibly to opposing ends of the chin support. Generally, the attachment points may be approximately 90 degrees from points of contact with the chin and chest. Thus, if the chin support comprises an ellipsoidal shape then the attachments points may be at the ends of the chin support's major axis; however, the precise point of attachment is not critical and may vary.

Where the mounting strap is permanently attached to the chin support, the strap may be attached according to known means such as, without limitation, sewing, bonding, thermal fusing, or the strap may be a continuous part of the chin support, i.e. made from the same piece of starting material. In some embodiments the mounting strap may comprise a pair of straps attached to opposing ends of the chin support. In such embodiments, the free ends of the mounting straps may be adapted to reversibly engage each other through the incorporation of buckles, cinches, clasps, snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, and other fasteners known in the art. Where the mounting straps are reversibly attached to the chin support, similar fastening means may be incorporated to reversibly attach the mounting straps to the chin support. In still other embodiments, the mounting strap may comprise a single strap and may be elastomeric, and/or may incorporate a length adjusting means at one or both attachment points to the chin support member.

Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating embodiments of the invention only and not for purposes of limiting the same, FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C are drawings of surfaces having positive curvature, negative curvature, and zero curvature respectively. Hyperbolic surfaces have negative curvature, whereas spheroidal and ellipsoidal surfaces have positive curvature. FIG. 2A is an illustration of an oblate spheroid, whereas FIG. 2B is a drawing of a prolate spheroid. The difference being that a prolate spheroid is elongated along its north and south poles and takes on the shape of a football, whereas the oblate spheroid is compressed along its north and south poles and takes on the shape of an M&M® candy. FIG. 2C illustrates an ellipsoid, which is similar visually to the prolate spheroid except that the ends of the major axis are more pointed in a prolate spheroid. FIG. 2D is a drawing of an ellipse having a thickness. This shape is simply that of a pair of two-dimensional ellipses spaced apart by a thickness.

FIG. 3 is a drawing of an embodiment 300 wherein the chin support 310 member comprises an ellipse having a thickness 332. The embodiment 300 has one visible elliptical face 330, and a second elliptical face out of view. The two faces are separated by a thickness 332, thus defining the shape of the chin support member 310. The embodiment 300 also includes a pair of mounting straps 320. Each of the mounting straps 320 are permanently attached to opposing ends 334 a, 334 b of the major axis 301 a of the chin support 310. The orthogonal minor axis 301 b is also shown. The ends of the mounting straps 320 are adapted to engage each other in a fastening relation by incorporating a buckle 322 into the ends of the mounting straps 320. As previously noted, other fastening means known in the art can be used in place of the particular buckle shown in FIG. 3, including without limitation alternative buckles, cinches, clasps, snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, and other fasteners known in the art.

FIG. 4 shows a front face 330 of the chin support 310 in relation to the major 301 a and minor 301 b axes thereof. The positive curvature of the chin-receiving region 312 a and the chest-receiving region 312 b. Accordingly, a wearer's chin initially contacts the chin support 310 in a slightly elevated position, and as the load on the chin support increases (i.e. as the wearer rests his chin on the chin support) the chin-receiving region 312 a compresses and the chin descends to a more natural and comfortable position. In contrast, if the chin receiving region 312 a did not have a positive curvature, the wearer's chin would either begin at a comfortable position and descend to one which is less comfortable, or the dimensions of the device along the minor axis would need to be increased thereby requiring more material and therefore increased material costs. Thus, the inventive contour of the chin support member in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 provides a significant advantage over the prior art.

FIG. 5 is a rear view of an embodiment 300 showing the rear face 330 b of the chin support member 310. Also visible are the attachment points 324 a and 324 b of the mounting straps 320 to the chin support member 310. As shown in this embodiment, attachment is permanently made by sewing the mounting straps 320 into opposing ends 334 a, 334 b of the chin support member 310. As previously noted, attachment need not be permanent and may include reversible fastening means known in the art. Also as noted previously, the means of permanent attachment is not limited to sewing but can include an of a wide variety of known means.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above methods and apparatuses may be changed or modified without departing from the general scope of the invention. The invention is intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof. 

I/We claim:
 1. A chin pillow, comprising: a chin support member having a major axis defining a first end and a second end, and an orthogonal minor axis, the chin support member having a positive curvature in a direction parallel to one or more of the major axis or the minor axis; and at least one mounting strap attached to at least one of the first end or the second end of the chin support member, the mounting strap being adapted to engage the neck of a wearer in a retaining relation.
 2. The chin pillow of claim 1, wherein the chin support member has a positive curvature in a direction parallel to the major axis.
 3. The chin pillow of claim 1, wherein the chin support member defines a shape having C_(n) rotational symmetry about its major axis where n is an integer between 2 and ∞.
 4. The chin pillow of claim 1, wherein the chin support member defines a shape selected from one or more of cylindrical, elliptical, ellipsoidal, prolate spheroidal, spheroidal, or oblate spheroidal.
 5. The chin pillow of claim 1, wherein the chin support member is adapted to simultaneously engage the chin and chest of a wearer while supporting the head of the wearer in a generally upright orientation.
 6. The chin pillow of claim 1, wherein the chin support member comprises a pliable material adapted to conform to the shape of a wearer's chin as the chin applies a load to the chin support member, and wherein the chin support member is adapted to spring back into its original shape after the load is removed.
 7. The chin pillow of claim 1, wherein the at least one mounting strap is permanently attached to at least one if the first end or the second end of the chin support member.
 8. The chin pillow of claim 7, wherein the at least one mounting strap comprises two mounting straps adapted to reversibly engage each other in a fastened relation using a fastening means selected from one or more of a buckle, a hook-and-loop fastener, a snap, a clasp, or a tie.
 9. A chin pillow, comprising: a chin support member adapted to simultaneously engage the chin and chest of a wearer while supporting the head of the wearer in a generally upright orientation, the chin support member having a major axis defining a first end and a second end, and an orthogonal minor axis, the chin support member having a positive curvature in a direction parallel to the major axis, and wherein the chin support member has a positive curvature in a direction parallel to the minor axis; and at least one mounting strap attached to at least one of the first end or the second end of the chin support member, the mounting strap being adapted to engage the neck of a wearer in a retaining relation.
 10. The chin pillow of claim 9, wherein the chin support member defines a shape having C_(n) rotational symmetry about its major axis where n is an integer between 2 and ∞.
 11. The chin pillow of claim 9, wherein the chin support member defines a shape selected from one or more of cylindrical, elliptical, ellipsoidal, prolate spheroidal, spheroidal, or oblate spheroidal.
 12. The chin pillow of claim 9, wherein the chin support member comprises a pliable material adapted to conform to the shape of a wearer's chin as the chin applies a load to the chin support member, and wherein the chin support member is adapted to spring back into its original shape after the load is removed.
 13. The chin pillow of claim 9, wherein the at least one mounting strap is permanently attached to at least one if the first end or the second end of the chin support member.
 14. The chin pillow of claim 13, wherein the at least one mounting strap comprises two mounting straps adapted to reversibly engage each other in a fastened relation using a fastening means selected from one or more of a buckle, a hook-and-loop fastener, a snap, a clasp, or a tie.
 15. A chin pillow, comprising: a pliable chin support member adapted to simultaneously engage substantially only the chin and chest of a wearer while supporting the head of the wearer in a generally upright orientation, the chin support member having a major axis defining a first end and a second end, and an orthogonal minor axis, the chin support member having a positive curvature in a direction parallel to the major axis, wherein the chin support member has a positive curvature in a direction parallel to the minor axis, and wherein the chin support member defines a shape selected from one or more of cylindrical, elliptical, ellipsoidal, prolate spheroidal, spheroidal, or oblate spheroidal; and two mounting straps each permanently attached to one of the first end or the second end of the chin support member, the mounting strap being adapted to engage the neck of a wearer in a retaining relation.
 16. The chin pillow of claim 15, wherein the chin support member defines a shape having C_(n) rotational symmetry about its major axis where n is an integer between 2 and ∞.
 17. The chin pillow of claim 15, wherein the chin support member comprises a pliable material adapted to conform to the shape of a wearer's chin as the chin applies a load to the chin support member, and wherein the chin support member is adapted to spring back into its original shape after the load is removed.
 18. The chin pillow of claim 15, wherein the at least one mounting strap comprises two mounting straps adapted to reversibly engage each other in a fastened relation using a fastening means selected from one or more of a buckle, a hook-and-loop fastener, a snap, a clasp, or a tie. 